Thurles tips: Mr Josiey Wales looks set to strike in novice hurdle

Mr Josiey Wales and Danny Hand win the Coolagown Stud Maiden Hurdle at Cork in April. Picture: Healy Racing

The INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle, the third race on this afternoon’s card in Thurles, has attracted just five runners, but it’s a cracking contest. There are four last-time-out winners in the race, but it is the other runner, Mr Josiey Wales, which makes most appeal.

Dermot McLoughlin’s six-year-old has clearly had a couple of issues along the way but, last season, the point to point winner won over hurdles at the second attempt. He made his return in a listed race at Cork just 18 days ago and, in that race which was run at a modest pace on very testing ground, he finished a fine third behind Chicago Time. In defeat he left the impression he would be better for a truer test of stamina and also less testing conditions.